The New York Yankees are heading to Milwaukee for a three-game series against the Brewers, starting Friday, May 8. Here are five key storylines to watch—plus our predictions for the matchup.
1. Carlos Rodón Returns
After months of recovery from offseason elbow surgery, the veteran left-hander is finally set to rejoin the rotation. Rodón will start Sunday's series finale. He made three minor-league rehab starts (one each at High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A), allowing seven runs (six earned) over 16 innings with 20 strikeouts. His final outing was his roughest: five earned runs in 6.1 innings. How he'll perform against big-league hitters after such a long layoff remains a big question mark—but it's a welcome sight for a pitching staff that's been stretched thin.
2. Spencer Jones Gets the Call
With Jasson Domínguez placed on the injured list, the Yankees have called up one of their top outfield prospects: Spencer Jones. The athletic 23-year-old can handle center field and has plus speed on the bases. While the everyday outfield of Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge is set, Jones could see time as the designated hitter against right-handed pitchers—and the Brewers are throwing two righties this weekend. In 33 Triple-A games this season, Jones crushed 11 home runs, drove in 41, stole seven bases, and batted .258. The Yankees are eager to see what he can do.
3. Friday Night: Max Fried vs. Jacob Misiorowski
This is a pitching matchup to circle on your calendar. Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski (2-2, 2.84 ERA) will square off against Yankees ace Max Fried. Misiorowski has been electric, striking out 59 batters in 38 innings across seven starts—including eight or more punchouts in five of those outings. He left his last start (May 1) after 5.1 innings due to cramps, so his health will be something to monitor. If he's at full strength, this could be a classic duel between power arms.
4. The Brewers' Right-Handed Attack
The Yankees will face two right-handed starters in this series, which could play into the hands of their lefty-heavy lineup. But Milwaukee's bullpen has been stingy, and their offense has been opportunistic. Keep an eye on Brewers catcher William Contreras, who has been a thorn in the side of opposing pitchers all season. The Yankees' bullpen will need to be sharp in the late innings.
5. Ben Rice's Absence
First baseman Ben Rice has been sidelined, leaving a hole in the lineup that the Yankees are still trying to fill. With Anthony Rizzo's status uncertain, the team will lean on a mix of players at first base and DH. This could open the door for Jones to get more at-bats, but it also puts pressure on the middle of the order to produce.
Series Predictions
The Yankees have the edge in starting pitching depth, but the Brewers are tough at home and Misiorowski is a difference-maker. If Rodón shows any rust, Sunday could be a challenge. Expect a split in the first two games, with the Yankees taking the series finale behind a strong start from Rodón—assuming he's ready. Yankees take two of three.